Hunting

Hunting is one of the priority recreational uses on National Wildlife Refuges and compatible with the mission of this refuge. Organized hunting of surplus wildlife species is one tool used to maintain wildlife populations at a level compatible with the available habitat.

The primary objective of a national wildlife refuge is to provide habitat for the conservation and protection of all species of wildlife. The harvest of surplus animals is one tool used to manage wildlife populations. Carefully managed hunts maintain wildlife populations at a level compatible with the environment, provide recreational opportunities, and permit the use of a valuable renewable resource. Public hunting is permitted, in designated areas, on five of the seven Savannah Coastal Refuges: Blackbeard Island, Harris Neck, Pinckney Island, Savannah, and Wassaw NWRs. Hunters must obtain the current-year Complex hunt schedule for specific dates.

Hunters are also required to review all refuge-specific hunting regulations prior to participating in any refuge hunt. In previous years, these regulations have been printed separately for each individual refuge; however, this year we have consolidated the regulations into one publication. Please click on the link below to download the current year's hunting regulations for all refuges within the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex. Links to each individual refuge's hunt map are also listed below.

Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Annual Hunt Permit

All hunters, 16 years of age or older, are required to possess the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Annual Hunt Permit. This permit will allow hunters access to all "non-quota" hunts on any of the following national wildlife refuges: Blackbeard Island, Harris Neck, Savannah, and Wassaw NWRs. This permit is non-transferable and is also required if drawn for the lottery hunt at Pinckney Island NWR. Annual Hunt Permits are $25 and valid for the current hunt year only.

Pinckney Island NWR Lottery Gun Hunt

A lottery hunt application must be submitted in order to be entered into the drawing for the Pinckney Island NWR Gun Hunt. Successfully drawn hunters must then purchase the Annual Hunt Permit to be allowed entry on the day of the hunt (unless you have done so already for the current hunt year). Applications for the Pinckney Island NWR Gun Hunt must be submitted by August 31, 2014. (A $5.00 Application fee will be charged)

Youth and Specialty Hunts

A number of youth hunts, as well as a mobility-impaired hunt, are offered at the Savannah NWR each year. These hunts do not require the purchase of the $25 Annual Hunt Permit, however, hunters must request a free permit from the Savannah NWR Visitor Center for both the youth archery and youth turkey hunts. If a lottery drawing is involved for any youth or specialty hunt, a $5 application fee will be charged. Click on the links below to download information packets and/or applications for each of these hunts.